Netflix Finalizes a Deal to Stream the New Season of 'The Killing' Three Months After It Airs on AMC

When “The Killing” was brought back for a third season by AMC after the network initially canceled the series last summer, there was speculation that Netflix, who’s been in talks about potentially continuing the show themselves, would be involved in the deal in some way. There were no partners mentioned in AMC’s January announcement that “The Killing” would be back, but having another company on board to chip in on costs would certainly have helped producers Fox Television Studios to resurrect a show that was never huge in ratings.

Netflix announced today that it will be involved in “The Killing” after all — the company has made a deal with Fox Studios to be the exclusive subscription television service for the new season. Netflix will start streaming the show three months after the season finale is broadcast on AMC, which isn’t a Hulu-style day after turnaround, but is, so far, as fast as we’ve legally gotten for an AMC show.

David Madden, president of Fox Television Studios, said in the announcement that “Our agreement with Netflix played an extremely significant part in the studio’s strategy that enabled us to bring ‘The Killing’ back for a third season. Our showrunner, Veena Sud, has plunged our principals into new and dangerous worlds, with wicked twists and a climactic end-of-season resolution, and our acclaimed cast, including Mireille Enos, Joel Kinnaman and new cast member Peter Sarsgaard, are already thrillingly bringing it to life. We are delighted to be in business with Netflix to deliver Season 3, as well as past seasons of The Killing to a broader audience worldwide.”

Production on “The Killing” season three started on February 25th. In addition to Sarsgaard, mentioned above, joining the cast this year, the show also added actress and filmmaker Amy Seimetz. Season three, it’s been promised, will end with its central mystery wrapped up.